Synthesis and electrochemical characterization of LiMn_2-xAl _xO₄ powders prepared by mechanical alloying and rotary heating

LiMn_2-xAl_xO₄ (0.0≤x≤0.10) intercalation powders have been synthesized by mechanical alloying followed by rotary heating. The precursor of LiMn_2-xAl_xO₄ has been prepared using LiOH-H₂O, MnO₂, and Al ₂O₃ by mechanical alloying, which ensured a high level of homogeneity in the chemical composition of the precursor and resulted in a reduction in the synthesis temperature and heating time. Highly crystallized LiMn_2-xAl_xO₄ powders were obtained by subsequent rotary heating of the precursor at 600 °C for 3 h. Rotary heating enhanced the experimental control in particle size distribution of the final products. The synthesized LiMn_2-xAl_xO₄ powder has a narrow particle size distribution, high discharge capacities and good cycleability. Compared with the conventional solid-state reaction process, the present method of mechanical alloying combined with rotary heating should be a suitable technique of decreasing synthesis temperature and shortening heating time, and enhancing the uniformity of particle size of the product.